The Art of Tea

Lesson Five: Tea – Parties and Poetry

Lesson Summary

Final activities center on “tea parties” and feature examples of poetry written in praise of tea. Teachers are encouraged to explore the wide sampling of tea parties that emerge from literature and history and then create in their classrooms tea parties that draw upon these examples.
 

Lesson One: China, Cradle of Tea Culture

Lesson Summary

As students commence their study of tea in the place of its origin, they investigate its various forms, appearances, and the naming systems that serve to define each variety. They explore the dynastic history of China, with special attention paid to the role of tea in each period. With samples brought by members of the class, students experience tea through the five senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Finally they compare the differences between real teas from the tea plant and “teas” that are actually herbal infusions.

 

Lesson Two: The Way of Tea in Japan

Lesson Summary

As students explore the importance of tea in Japan, they investigate renga, a genre of Japanese poetry that was a component of early Japanese tea gatherings. Other activities provide opportunities for students to examine the steps of the tea ceremony and their metaphorical meanings for life.

 

Lesson Three: Tea Craze in the West

Lesson Summary

Students are guided in the formation of a survey device by which they may evaluate the habits of tea drinking among friends and family. A discussion of and elaboration on George Orwell’s “A Nice Cup of Tea” will follow the assessment of friends’ and families’ tea drinking. Students will also explore the intertwined histories of coffee, tea, and chocolate and come to understand the historical, social, and political/ economic impact of these three beverages. A final activity focuses on the history of public protests, starting here with American colonists’ tea protests; students then identify an issue of concern to them, debate it, and compose a strategy to call to action opposition to it.

 

Lesson Four: Tea and Empire

Lesson Summary

Mapping activities allow students to trace the global movements of tea and related commodities. They will also research tea habits globally, interviewing friends and relatives as to their own tea remembrances. Graphing activities examine tea consumption per capita.